This year we launch our awards giving you the chance to give your food, drink and travel favourites across the globe and around the region the recognition they deserve
What have been your standout food and travel experiences over the past year? The ones you’ve raved about to family and friends? We want to hear about them – so that we can recognize those responsible for delivering such excellence via our Food and Travel Arabia Awards. You might have been wowed by a restaurant that raised the bar in terms of spectacular food; or a hotel that provided the stay of a lifetime. Whatever it is that has excited you over the last 12 months, we want to give you the chance to give credit where it’s due. Below are the categories for the Food and Travel Arabia Awards which will form the basis of shortlists to be divided in a range of country-specific categories to help us find the best in the region from our second ballot. Send us your nominations and have your say!
Over the last few months you have inundated us with your favourite hotels, restaurants and chefs for inclusion in the 2015 Food and Travel Awards. Using the nominations as a basis, our expert panel has compiled the initial voting list for each category set out here (further details are available at foodandtravel.me). Now comes the really fun part – voting to decide the finalists for the categories mentioned (the other categories will be decided by the expert panel from the finalists you choose)
The process is straightforward just pick your favourites from the nominated candidates; those with the largest number of votes will make the final short-list which will be published in October 2015. The winners will be announced at the 2015 Gala Awards Dinner in January 2016. So whether it is your favourite restaurant, hotel or café – you can vote in as many or as few categories as you wish – now is the time to make sure you register your vote.
A big thanks for your initial nominations. And don’t forget, even if you didn’t get involved first time around, you can still make your voice heard, by helping to pick the finalists.
How to vote email info@gulfdigital.net by 15 October and cast your votes.
You may vote for as many candidates and categories as you wish but only once for any candidate in any category.
KUWAIT
Voting in the following categories will decide the finalists for the 2015 Food and Travel Awards.
HOTEL OF THE YEAR
Five Star Hotels
Four Star Hotels
Symphony Style, Jumeirah Messilah Beach, Sheraton Kuwait, JW Marriott Kuwait City Mövenpick Hotel & Resort Al Bida’a, The Regency Kuwait Radisson Blu Hotel, Al Manshar Rotana, Hilton Kuwait Resort Millennium Hotel
Four Points By Sheraton Kuwait, Le Royal Tower Hotel, Plaza Athenee Hotel, Holiday Inn Downtown Kuwait, Swiss-Belhotel Plaza Kuwait, Safir International Hotel, Al Jahra Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Marriott Courtyard, Costa Del Sol Hotel, Best Western
RESTAURANTS OF THE YEAR
International
Chinese
Japanese
B&F Open Flame Kitchen, Salt Peper Steak House, Terrace Grill, Beldani, Big Fish Seafood, FishMarket, La Brasa,Veranda – Harvey Nichols
Peacock, Tang Chao, PF Changs, China Lake, China Garden, Fusion, Golden Chopsticks, Jade Garden, Pei Wei Asian Diner
Sushi, Kei, Tatami Sakura, Maki, Katsuya by S+ARCK, Le Sushi Bar, Edo, Oishii Sushi
Indian
European
Middle Eastern
Asha’s, Soul & Spice, Asha’s Marina Crescent, The Copper Chimney, Zafran, Soul & Spice, Taal Indian, Bukhara, Moti Mahal
Olio (JMB), Breeze, Balsamico, Melenzane, Veranda, Riccardo, Altissimo, Figs, Bice
Arabesque, Al Boom, Naranj, Assaha Village, Ayam Zaman, Leila, Shahrayar, Freej Soeleh, Mais Alghanim
SAUDI ARABIA
Voting in the following categories will decide the finalists for the 2015 Food and Travel Awards.
HOTEL OF THE YEAR
Five Star Hotels
Four Star Hotels
Sofitel Al Khobar, Rosewood Corniche Jeddah, Mövenpick Hotel Riyadh, Crowne Plaza Hotel Al Khobar, InterContinental Al Khobar, Le Meridien Al Khobar, Mövenpick Beach Resort Al Khobar, Al Ahsa InterContinental, InterContinental Al Jubail, InterContinental Riyadh, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, Al Mashreq Boutique Hotel, Kempinski Burj Rafal Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, Sheraton Riyadh Hotel, Al Faisaliah Hotel Riyadh, Rosewood Jeddah, Park Hyatt Jeddah, InterContinental Jeddah, Waldorf Astoria Jeddah
Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh, Marriott Executive Apartments Riyadh, Crowne Plaza Riyadh Minhal, Courtyard Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter, Ramada Continental Jeddah, Radisson Blu Royal Suite Hotel, Jeddah, Grand Mayral Hotel, Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Al Khobar, Golden Tulip Al Khobar, Zara Continental Hotel, Ramada Dammam Hotel, Park Inn by Radisson Dammam
RESTAURANTS OF THE YEAR
International
European
Soleil (Riyadh), Fusion (Al Khobar), Azure (Al Khobar), The Ranch (Al Jubail), Mondo (Riyadh), IL Terrazzo (Riyadh), The Globe (Riyadh), L’Entrecote Cafe de Paris (Riyadh)
Café Chic (Al Khobar), Acacia by Pierre Gagnaire (Riyadh), Rosso (Riyadh), Azzuro (Riyadh), La Piazza (Riyadh), La Cucina (Riyadh), The Globe (Riyadh), Nafoura (Jeddah), Aromi (Jeddah), Olivio’s (Riyadh), Le Cafe Lenotre (Riyadh), Salmontini Le Resto (Jeddah), Arome Mediterranean (Al Khobar)
Middle Eastern
Asian
Naya (Riyadh), Marrakesh (Al Khobar), Al Bustan (Al Khobar), Al Diwan (Al Jubail), Ewaan (Riyadh), Tuğra (Riyadh), Al Orjouan (Riyadh), Andalusia (Jeddah), Mataam Al Sharq (Jeddah), Zaatar W Zeit (Riyadh), Lusin (Riyadh), Al Orjouan (Riyadh), Byblos (Jeddah)
Anardana (Moevenpick R), Leonardo (Le Meridien AK), Elements (Riyadh), Maharaja by Vineet (Al Khobar), Noodles (Rosewood J), Silk Road (Al Ahsa Intercon), Hong (Ritz Riyadh), The Noodle House (Riyadh), PF Chang (Jeddah), Trader Vic’s (Riyadh), Ginza I Chome (Riyadh), Nozomi (Riyadh), Tokyo (Riyadh), Shogun (Riyadh), Benihana (Riyadh), Yokari (Riyadh)
OMAN
Voting in the following categories will decide the finalists for the 2015 Food and Travel Awards.
HOTEL OF THE YEAR
Five Star Hotels
Four Star Hotels
Alila Jabar Akhdar, Six Senses Zighy Bay, Millenium Resort, Chedi Muscat, Salalah Rotana Resort, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, Al Nahda Resort & Spa, Grand Hyatt Muscat, InterContinental Muscat, Al Bustan Palace, Hormuz Grand Muscat, Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah, Hilton Salalah Resort
City Seasons Hotel Muscat, Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat, Crowne Plaza Muscat, Ramada Muscat Hotel, Sifawy Boutique Hotel, Juweira Boutique Hotel, Sohar Beach Hotel, Royal Gardens Hotel
RESTAURANTS OF THE YEAR
International
Middle Eastern
Asian
Sense on the Ridge, The Restaurant – Chedi, Juniper Restaurant, Bait Al Bahr Sultanah, Safari Rooftop Grill, Al Khiran Terrace, Sheba’s Steak House, Fauchon Café, Blue Marlin, Candle Café, Left Bank, The Edge, Capri Court, Tuscany, Tomato, Italiano
Juniper Restaurant, Shua Shack, Al Bahar, Al Tanoor, Fairou, Shahrazad Mokha Café, Shabestan, Ubhar Bistro, Bin Ateeq, Tche Tche, Al Angham, Grand Lounge, Turkish House
The Silk Road, Asia, China Mood, Chinese Palace, China Town, Tokyo Taro, The Indus, Meerath Restaurant, Rajdhani Restaurant, Anathapuri, Trishna, Student Biryani, Begum’s, Fusion – The Vegetarian Restaurant, Shang Thai, Trader Vic’s, Marjan Indonesian
QATAR
Voting in the following categories will decide the finalists for the 2015 Food and Travel Awards.
HOTEL OF THE YEAR
Five Star Hotels
Four Star Hotels
St Regis Hotel, Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha, Four Seasons, Marsa Malaz Kempinski, Melia Doha, Banana Island Resort, Intercontinental Doha City, Zubarah Hotel, Doha Marriott, Ritz Carlton Doha, Sharq Village & Spa, Millennium Doha, W Doha Hotel, Hilton Doha, Grand Hyatt Doha, Al Bidda Boutique, The Torch Doha, Grand Heritage Doha Hotel, Wyndham Grand Regency Doha
Swiss-Belhotel Doha, Radisson Blu Hotel Doha, Retaj Al Rayyan, Amari Doha Hotel, K108 Hotel Doha, Royal Qatar Hotel, Holiday Villa Hotel, Ramada Encore Doha, Golden Ocean Hotel, Saray Mshereb Hotel, Plaza Inn Doha
RESTAURANTS OF THE YEAR
Casual
Middle Eastern
European
International
Ipanema, Crossroads Kitchen, Lo Spaghetto, Sarab Lounge, Seasons Tea Lounge, Quickbites, Torch Tea Garden, W Café
Al Sultan Brahim, Al Sufra, Al Nahham, Baraha, Cornische, Parisa, Zaman, Agora, Tangia, Argan, Al Mayass, Burj al Hamam
Gordon Ramsey, Cucina, Il Teatro, Antica Pesa, El Faro, Aceite, Riva, La Varenne, La Mer, Porcini, Yum Yum, La Spiga by Paper Moon, La Piazza, Market by Jean Georges, Maxim, Le Vesuvio, IDAM by Alain, Ducasse, Mykonos, Antica Pesa
Astor Grill, New York Steak House, Sawa, Prime, Caminito, Salsa, Admirals Club, Three Sixty, Ipanema, Latino, Paloma, Pampano, Anvil Rooms, Le Grill
Chinese
Japanese
Indian
Thai
Hakkasan, Hwang, Chi’Zen, Chopsticks, Nusantao, Ruby Wu’s, Spice Market, Tse Yang
Nobu Doha, Sakura, Megu, D’Chopstix, Junko Sushi & Dining, Oishi Sushi, Yee Hwa
Signature, Taj Rasoi, Asha’s, Saffron Lounge, Chingari, Bombay Balti, BukharaGrill, Royal Tandoor
Trader Vic’s, Isaan, Asia Live!, Baan Thai, Sri Kebaya
ABU DHABI
Voting in the following categories will decide the finalists for the 2015 Food and Travel Awards.
HOTEL OF THE YEAR
Five Star Hotels
Four Star Hotels
Le Royal Meridien (LRM), Shangri-La, Royal Rose, St Regis Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Sarab (QAS), Dusit Thani Abu Thani, Intercontinental Hotel, Fairmont Bab al Bahr, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace, Ritz Carlton, Jumeirah Etihad Towers, Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa, Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Centre, City Seasons Al Hamra Hotel, Swiss-Belhotel Corniche, Adagio Abu Dhabi Al Bustan, Radisson Blu Hotel – Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Mafraq Hotel Abu Dhabi, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi, Traders Hotel Qaryat Al Beri Abu Dhabi, Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan, One to One Hotel – The Village, Le Meridien Abu Dhabi
RESTAURANTS OF THE YEAR
Middle Eastern
International
European
Indian
Cedar Lounge (Fairmont), Sambusek (Rosewood), Abd El Wahab, Mezlai (Emirates Palace), Diwan L’Auberge (Emirates Palace), Mijana (Ritz), Li Beirut (JET), Mawal (Hilton), Atayeb (Yas Viceroy), Dolmabahçe
Stratos (LRM), Market Kitchen (LRM), Asia de Cuba StR), Suhail (QAS), Capital Grill (Dusit), Fish Market (Intercontinental), Marco Pierre White Grill (Fairmont), Brauhaus (Rotana) D, Sayad Seafood Restaurant (Emirates P), The Forge (Ritz), Ray’s Grill (JET), 18° (Hyatt), 55&5th, The Grill (St Regis S), Diablito (Yas Marina), Leopold’s of London, Jones the Grocer, Al Liwan (QAS), Shakespeare and Co., Sucré Patisserie (St Regis S), Azura (St Regis), Rogu, Yacht Club (Intercontinental)
Amalfi (LRM), p&c Sergi Arola (Shangri-La), Barocca (Royal Rose), Villa Toscana (St Regis), Cipriani, Circo (Intercontinental), Frankie’s, Aqua (Rosewood), Catalan (Rosewood), Mezzaluna (Emirates Palace), Bord Eau (Shangri-La), Giornotte (Ritz), Brasserie Angélique (JET), BiCE (JET), Porto Bello (GM), Grills@Chillo (Sofitel), Sacci (Westin)
Indigo (Rotana), Avasa Indian Kitchen, Asha’s, Angar (Yas Viceroy), Rangoli (Yas Rotana), Basil (Royal International), Peppermill (Al Wahda Mall), Tanjore (Danat Al Ain Resort), Ushna (Souk Qaryat Al Beri), Zari Zardozi (Al Raha Mall)
Chinese
Japanese
Thai
Dai Pai Dong (Rosewood), Hakkasan (Emirates Palace), Shang Palace (Shangri-La), Li Jiang (Ritz), Jing Asia (Crowne Plaza), China Restaurant (Mercure), Soba (Le Royal Meridien), Sontaya (St Regis), Hoi An (Shangri-La)
Mikado Café, Smoking Doll, Benihana (Rotana), Koi, Zuma Abu Dhabi, Tori No Su (JET), Toshi (GM), Kazu (Yas Viceroy)
Benjarong Thai (Dusit), Silk & Spice (Sofitel), Pachaylen (Anantara), Noodle Box (Yas Viceroy), Trader Vic’s, Talay (Le Meridien), Taste of Thailand
DUBAI
Voting in the following categories will decide the finalists for the 2015 Food and Travel Awards.
HOTEL OF THE YEAR
Raffles, Radisson Royal, JW Marriott Marquis, Burj Al Arab, Hilton Dubai, Bab Al Shams (BAS), Meydan Hotel, Sofitel Down Town, The Westin Dubai, Four Seasons Resort (FSR), H Hotel, Sheraton Grand Dubai (SG), Kempinski Palm Jumeirah (KPJ), Shangri La (SZR), Oberoi Dubai, Intercontinental DFC (IDFC), Grosvenor House, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray (JZS), The Address Montgomerie, The Address Downtown, The Palace Downtown, The Address Dubai Mall, Anantara Dubai Palm Resort (ADP), Sofitel the Palm, Armani Hotel, Vida Downtown, One & Only the Palm, Dusit Thani Dubai, Conrad Dubai, Jumeirah Al Qasr, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Le Royal Meridien Resort Dubai, Park Hyatt Dubai, Ritz Carlton DIFC, Oberoi, Sheraton Dubai Creek, Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, Atlantis the Palm
RESTAURANTS OF THE YEAR
Middle Eastern
Casual
Thai
Indian
Al Hadheerah (BAS), Cle Dubai, Ewaan (Palace Downtown), Ottomans (Grosvenor House), Boulevard Kitchen (Vida Manzil), Sultan Basha (Radisson Royal), Qbara, Cafe Arabesque (Park Hyatt Dubai), Moroccan (Four Points Sheraton), Abd el Wahab (Pier 7), Al Nafoorah (JZS), Lalezar (JZS), Khaymat Al Bahar (Al Qasr), Omnia Gourmet
Café Rouge, The Gramercy, Amika (H),Sophie’s Café, Fortnum & Mason Dubai, Sultan’s Lounge (JZS), Monty’s (Address Montgomerie), Zeta’s (Address Downtown), The Beach House (ADP), Botega (Sofitel Palm), Armani Deli, Jones the Grocer, Burger Rebel, Mezza Luna (DFC), Cavalli Caffe, Pacha, St. Tropez Bistro, Soho Grill, Casa de Tapas, Café Belge (Ritz DIFC), La Fairne (JWM Marquis), Beluga Beach (KPJ), Choix Patisserie DFC, Frankie’s
Tong Thai (JW Marriott Marquis), Spice Emporium (Westin), Thiptara (Palace Downtown), Benjarong Thai (Dusit), Trader Vics Festival City, Thai Kitchen (Park Hyatt Dubai), Pai Thai (Dar Al Masyaf)
Prime 68 (JW Marriott Marquis), La Porte des Indes (Address Dubai Mall), Junoon (Shangri-La), Armani Amal (Armani), Indego by Vineet (Grosvenor House), Signature Dubai (Melia), Tresind (Radisson Royal), Ananta (Oberoi), Asha’s, Ashiana by Vineet (Sheraton Dubai Creek), Naya (JBH), Amala (JZS), Hoi An (Shangri-La)
Chinese
Japanese
Steakhouse & Grill
International
Shiba (Meydan), China Grill (Westin), Shang Palace (Shangri-La), Hakkasan (Emirates Towers), Noodle House (Emirates Towers), Royal China, Blue Jade (Ritz), Zheng He’s (Mina A’Salam)
Tomo (Raffles), Izakaya (JW Marriott Marquis), Benihana (Amwaj Rotana), Zuma Dubai, Nobu Dubai, OKKU (H Hotel), Armani Hashi, Wagamama, Tokyo@theTowers (Emirates Towers), Asia Asia, Umai (Oberoi), Creekside Japanese (Sheraton Dubai Crk)
Reform Social & Grill, Prime Steak House (Meydan), Hunters Room & Grill (Westin), Sea Fu (FSR), Feast (Sheraton Grand), Catch Dubai, Claw BBQ, The CUT by WP (Address Downtown), Asado (Palace Downtown), Porterhouse (Sofitel Palm), Moana Seafood (Sofitel Palm), Ruth’s Chris (Address Dubai Marina), Marco Pierre White Grill (Conrad), Wheelers, Rib Room (Emirates Towers), Rivington Grill Dubai, Centre Cut (Ritz DIFC), La Parrilla (JBH)
Kitchen 6 (JW Marriott Marquis), Delphine’s (H), Farriers (Meydan), Les Cuisines (Sofitel DT), Coya Dubai (Four Seasons Resort), The ACT Dubai (Shangri-La), Anise (DIFC), Rhodes W1 (Grosvenor House), Toro Toro (Grosvenor House),Zengo Dubai, The Ivy (Emirates Towers), Geales Dubai (Le Royal Meridien), Maya (Le Royal Meridien), Rhodes 201-Rhodes Twenty10 (LRM), Fuego Dubai, The Scene by Simon Rimmer (Pier 7), O Cacti (Pier 7), Al Muntaha (Burj Al Arab), Al Mahara (Burj Al Arab), Tortuga (Mina A’Salam)
Italian
French & Spanish
Positano (JW Marriott Marquis), Roasso (Amwaj Rotana), Solo (Raffles), TRE by Roberto Rella (Radisson Royal), Bice (Hilton Dubai), Brunnello (KPJ), Riva Ristorante, Armani Ristoranti (Armani), PAX Ristoranti (Dusit), Frankie’s Dubai, Alta Badia (Emirates Towers), Cavalli Club (Fairmont), Splendido (Ritz), Vivaldi by Alfredo Russo (Sheraton DC), Carnevale (JBH), Segreto (Souk Madinat), Ballaro (Conrad), Social by Heinz Beck (Waldorf Astoria), Ronda Locatelli (Atlantis)
La Residence (Raffles), El Sur (Westin), Sass Café, La Cantine du Faubourg, Cove Beach (JBH), Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire (Intercon DFC), Table 9 (Hilton Dubai Creek), At.mosphere (Burj Khalifa), La Serre (Vida Downtown), STAY By Yannick Alléno, Pierchic (Al Qasr), 101 Restaurant (One & Only), Pure (Hilton Dubai), Traiteur Park Hyatt), Atelier M (Pier 7), Al Hambra (Al Qasr)
UAE OTHER EMIRATES
Voting in the following categories will decide the finalists for the 2015 Food and Travel Awards.
HOTEL OF THE YEAR
Five Star Hotels
Four Star Hotels
Radisson Blu Resort – Sharjah, Grand Excelsior Hotel Sharjah, Hilton Sharjah, Royal Beach Resort, Hilton Fujairah Resort, Millennium Hotel Fujairah, Radisson Blu Fujairah, Ajman Saray, Marjan Island Resort & Spa, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, Hilton Al Hamra Beach & Golf Resort, Al Hamra Palace Beach Resort, Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah Beach, Banyan Tree Al Wadi Rixos Bab al Bahr RAK, The Cove Rotana Resort – Ras Al Khaimah, Kempinski Hotel Ajman, The Ajman Palace Hotel, Fairmont Ajman
DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah, Mangrove by Bin Majid Hotels, Ras Al Khaimah Hotel, Al Hamra Village Golf and Beach Resort, Acacia Hotel, Golden Tulip Khatt Springs Resort, Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman, Ramada Beach Hotel Ajman, Sharjah Rotana, Copthorne Hotel Sharjah, Sharjah Grand Hotel, Novotel Fujairah, Umm al-Qaiwain
RESTAURANTS OF THE YEAR
International
European
Safi – Seafood Restaurant (Ajman), Lexington Grill (RAK), The Village Restaurant (RAK), Sands (Banyan Tree Beach), Fish Bone (RAK), Meat Point (RAK), Spectrum (Sharjah), Café at the Falls (Sharjah), Al Ghorfa (Hilton Fujairah), Shakespeare and Co. (Sharjah), Pura Vida (RAK)
Safi – Seafood Restaurant (Ajman), Lexington Grill (RAK), The Village Restaurant (RAK), Sands (Banyan Tree Beach), Fish Bone (RAK), Meat Point (RAK), Spectrum (Sharjah), Café at the Falls (Sharjah), Al Ghorfa (Hilton Fujairah), Shakespeare and Co. (Sharjah), Pura Vida (RAK)
Middle Eastern
Asian
Al Nokhada (Sharjah), Mejhana (Ajman), Zaitouna House (Ajman), Marjan (RAK), Al Jazeera (RAK), Al Waha (RAK), Lalezar Restaurant (RAK), L’Olivo Restaurant (RAK), Mejhana (Ajman), Kiyi Turkish (RAK), Shiraz (Sharjah), Mistral (Fujairah), Al Murjan (Sharjah)
Aja Restaurant (RAK), Hai Tao (Ajman), Canton (Fujairah), Chinese Fork (Sharjah), UMI (RAK), Dragon’s Place (Ajman), Bukhara (Ajman), The Taste of India (Fujairah), Katis Restaurant (Sharjah), India Palace Sharjah), Gazebo Restaurant (Sharjah), Al Ajwah Restaurant (Sharjah), Trader Vic’s (Sharjah), Saffan (RAK)
Categories
Restaurant of the Year
Cruise Line of the Year
Regional
International
New Restaurant of the Year
Destination of the Year
A country anywhere in the world
Hotel of the Year
Best 5 Star
Best 4 Star
Best Boutique
City of the Year
A city anywhere in the world
Chef of the Year
Breakthrough Chef of the Year